23-03 SPACE IS THE PLACE: SpermChurch + Gerri Jäger (solo)

SPACE IS THE PLACE: SpermChurch + Gerri Jäger + DJ Marcelle

SPERMCHURCH
SpermChurch is a collective duo that combines the altered sounds of Trevor Dunn’s electric bass with the original electronics of Sannety’s software instrument.
SpermChurch is interested in exploring the possibilities of rule-based improvisation in order to bypass the decision making process that is founded more on ‘culture or language’— elements that often compromise improvisation by creating boundaries of preconceived ideas in regards to form and ways of interaction. As we are both experienced improvisers we were confronted with certain habits and cliches that we and other around us fall prey to, making us think about ways to free ourselves from those unconscious limitations by imposing conscious limitations of another kind. We are interested in generating material and creating forward motion by applying a combination of algorithms, constraints and probability by ways of designated ”meeting points” in the compositions that can act as a trigger for the next series of events. Of course, we also rely on the direct intuitive input of the two musicians while at the same time setting a new challenge of improvising with limited material. By using Max/MSP in the decision making aspect of the pieces to execute algorithms and influence the audio processing it can become an integral partner in the playing field. Musical parameters such as volume, density of notes, velocity, duration, speed, and texture of the sound are the focal points in developing algorithms or setting up restraints. Some examples are: Morphing rhythmic patterns, creatively playing with speed changes, having certain sounds appear in designated order or proportions, deconstructing rhythmical structures, playing with fixed rhythms but focussing on textural development, phasing in and out of (a general) rhythm, exploring textural counterpoint; offering loads of possibilities for distilling a common musical language and building an improvisational dialogue.

Trevor Dunn – Bass | Sannety – Electronics

GERRI JÄGER
Born in Innsbruck (Austria) in 1979 Gerri picked up the drums when he was 9 years old. After some brass-band and grunge-rock teenage years he studied jazz at the Conservatories of Innsbruck (AT) and later in Amsterdam (NL), where he graduated in 2006. After being part of diverse groups from free-improvisation, alt-rock, experimental electronic club music and avant-pop he is interested in playing with different ways to expand boundaries in music and its genres. Current working bands include Knalpot, Naked Wolf, Poker and Rooie Waas.

DJ MARCELLE/ANOTHER NICE MESS
Surprise, adventure, entertainment and education: Four key words often used for describing Dutch DJ Marcelle/Another Nice Mess. Using live (and in the studio) three turntables, Marcelle puts different styles of music in a different context. She changes the way we experience those individual styles. She fuses musical styles like no other, making it seem like they always belonged together and making the audience believe they are listening to one track instead of three played simultaneously!